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Pair Programming

The goal of the Pair Programming project is student retention in computing programs.

Overview

Pair programming refers to the practice whereby two programmers work together at one computer, collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code, or test. The pair is made up of a driver, who actively types at the computer or records a design; and a navigator, who watches the work of the driver and attentively identifies problems, asks clarifying questions, and makes suggestions. Both are also continuous brainstorming partners. Throughout the world, many universities are using pair programming in their computer science classes and a number of high schools have begun using the practice as well. Generally, current-day students much prefer to collaborate than to work alone and find computer science more attractive if they are not forced to work alone the majority of the time. Between the two students, they can generally figure out most problems and can avoid pesky syntax and semantic errors that can cost many hours to debug. Perhaps during those multi-hour debugging sessions (that are greatly reduced with pair programming) some students vow to never take another computer science course!